Guard rail



J. c. BALDWIN Aug. 8, 1950 FIG. 1..

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Patented Aug. 8, 1950 UNITED STATES ePATENT OFFICE 2,517,959 I v I vGUARD RAIL John 0. Baldwiriz Bluefield, Va. Application November 12,1948, Serial No; 59,537

My invention relates to hand railings, guard. railings, fences,balustrades, and the like, and more particularly to demountable devicesof this type which are adapted to'be readily assembled and set in placefor use. I

With the foregoing in view, an object of my invention is to provide animproved device of the class described. 1

A further object is to provide an improved device of the class describedwhich includes means for readily detachably connecting a rail to a pairof posts.

A further object is to provide novel connections between the top railand the posts and novel connections between the lower rail and the'osts.

A further object is to provide an improved device of the class describedwhich includes an improved baluster or picket for connecting a top and alower rail. I

A further object is to provide an improved device of the classdescribed, including upper and lower rails, and which comprises animproved baluster or picket together with novel, means for connectingthe same between the upper and lower rails.

A further object is to provide an improved baluster or picket comprisinga pair of sections, and/or an improved rail comprising a pair ofsections, and novel means for connecting the sections together. l

Other objects-and advantages reside in, the particular structure of theinvention, combination 7Claims. (01. 256-121) and arrangement'of theseveral parts thereof, and

will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon reference tothe attached drawing in with the following specification,

connection wherein the invention is shown, described and claimed.

g In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of one form of guard rail according tothe invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation showing a detail;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on the planeof the line 3' 3 of Figure 2; v

Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view on an enlarged scaleand showing a detail of the top rail connection; 1 I

Figure 5 is an enlarged elevational view'of one of the lowermost rails;

Figure 6 is a plan View of the rail tudinal section;

Figure 7 is. a fragmentary elevational;View showing a modified form ofguard railing,

of Figure 5, parts being broken away and shown in longi- Referringspecifically to the drawing, wherein like reference characters have beenused throughout the several views to designate like parts, and

referring first to the form of invention of Figures 1 to 6, inclusive,l0 designates generally a guard railing according to the invention whichincludes a pluralityof spaced vertical posts H of any suitablecross-section mounted in any suitable manner in or on any suitablesurface. The upper ends of the posts have adapter collars l2 securedthereto for mounting the leg 13 of a T-coupling 14. The runner of theT-coupling M has externally-threaded free ends Hi, the threads of whichare similar. Top rails I 6 extend between the free ends of the runnersof the T- couplings in aligned end-to-end relation. The top rails l6have externally-threaded free-ends l'l. As clearly shown in Figure 4,the threaded ends l5 for the runner of the T-coupling M aresubstantially twice as long as the threaded portion ll on the, free endof each rail [6. As shown, the threads are right-hand threads, but, ofcourse, could be left-hand threads if desired. As clearly seen in Figure4, the sleeves l8 are at least as long as the combined lengths of thethreads l5 and ll of the adjacent ends of the top rail l6 and the runnerof the T-coupling [4. Likewise, it should be noted that the bore ofsleeve I8 is internally threaded for a major portion of its length, asindicated at l9. In the embodiment shown, thelength of the threaded bore[9 is substantially two-thirds the length of the combined length of thethreads ll and I5 when the ends of the top rail and the runner areabutting. Obviously, if the free ends of the rail and runner areslightly separated, the relation of length of the threaded bore 19 willbe increased as necessary. .The remainder of the length of the bore ofthe sleeve I8 is formed to provide an enlarged, unthreaded counterbore20 which is slidable not only relative to the threaded ends I5 of thecou plings I4, but also relative to the unthreaded portion ofsuchcouplings. To connect a top rail [6 in place, when the opposed ends ofthe runners of adjacent T-couplings I4 are aligned, the sleeve I8 isapplied to one threaded end H) of a runner and threaded thereon untilthe threaded end of the sleeve isflush with the free end of the runner,as clearly shown at the right in Figure 4. Thereafter, an end of therail 16 is brought into abutment with the corresponding end of therunner of the T-coupling l4 and the sleeve threaded onto the threads I!of the runner to provide a firm threaded coupling. The back threading ofthe sleeve 18 on the runner is permitted beyond the inner ends of thethreads l5 by the counterbore 20 of the sleeve. At the same time, and asclearly shown at the left in Figure 4, when the sleeve is threaded ontothe threads I8 of the rail I6, the counterbore 2 overlies and concealsthe inner ends of the threads I5. Without such counterbores 2D, thethreads I would of necessity have to be of much greater length and aportion thereof would be exposed when the sleeves were threaded onto thethreads ll of the rails.

As clearly shown at the right in Figure 1, where the adjacent ends ofthe T-couplings are aligned on inclined planes, special T-couplings 2Iand 22. are provided. Thus, the adjacent or right-hand runner of theT-coupling 2I is downwardly in-e clined at a proper angle ofinclination. to, be aligned with the upwardly-inclined adjacent runnerof the T-coupling 22. Likewise, when the railing must turn a corner, theT- coupling 22 may be provided with a runner or runners directed at aproper horizontal angle to the remaining runner or arm.

The structure so far described may be used alone as a hand rail withoutadditional lower rails.-

H'owever, ifused as a guard railing, l? prefer'to'.

have one or more loWer rai1s,-nOw to be described.

Referring nowto Figures 2 and 3, it noted that eachpcst II has securedthereto a plue rality of vertically-spacedbosses- 23 in down?wardly-spaced relation to the upper: ends of the posts. Each bossZ'S' issecured to its post i -in any suitable or well known manner. 23' isprovided with opposite side surfaces 21, Figure 3, which in theinstanceshown are flat, parallel surfaces. rected is secured to thefront face of eachbcss 2'3 and is provided with a laterally-elongatedhook cavity. Thus, the cavity 27" includes a vertical rear surface 28comprisingthe forward" face of the boss 23 and a forwardcavity Z-B'belowthe bill'of the hook. Entrancetothecavity 27 ispro-- vided by; anupperslot 30 for'an eye now to be described.

Where the invention is applied to a fence, either a rail fence or apicket fence, where projections above, the toprail are desired*,'bosses23=- and hooks 25 ma be substituted fo th'e couplings aforesaidand rails'now to be-describedmay' ends of the sideplates or ears 33.Each eye 32 has. the opposite end"thereo-fformed to provide a socket. 36which is internall threaded for threadedly. engaging the threaded freeends 37 and; 38. of the lower. rails 3 I. In this connection, it shouldbe noted'that the internalthreads of thesocketsstfi arecomplementary tothe threaded ends 3-]. and. 3Iand that thev threads 3'! are right.- handthreads, while the threadsfiil are left-hand threads. Thus, eachrail'ajl functions asaturnbuckle. in a-well knownmanner. Try-apply lowerrail; 31' between adjacent posts I I, the sockets 36 of the eyes. 32,areconnected. to the. opposite ends of the-rail by; partially threadingthe ame thereon. One-cross-piece 3.5 is'now seatedin one hook 26 againstthe. rear surface 28.v The crosspiece on; theopposite. eye 32'is.nowappliedto. the hook. Z-tomthe opposite post I I, Toproperly Each boss Ahookwhich is upwardly di Each side plate 33- is con-- nected by across-piece 35' inwardly of the free 4 apply it, it may be necessar tolengthen or shorten the distance between the adjacent eyes by turningthe rail 3! relative to such eyes. With both cross-pieces 35 seated inthe opposed hooks 26, the rail 3| is twisted in a direction to cause theeyes 32 to move toward each other, whereby to seat the cross-piece 35 inthe hook recesses 7. .9, whereby the rail is tensioned into positionbetween the posts II. A reversal of this performance loosens: the lowerrail 3i and permits it to be separated from the adjacent posts I I.Relative rotation is prevented by ears 33.

Referring now to Figure '7, the structure there disclosed conforms incertain features to that of the preferred form of the invention, in thatit includes a pair of spaced posts I I I having T-couplings Msecured tothe upper ends thereof. Top rails H6 are secured between the T-couplingsI4 inthemanner previously described b the sleeves I8. In like manner, alower rail S SI is secured between the postsw I M by: hooks fcrmed onthe bosses 23 thereof; However, in: this formofiithe invention, the toprail H6? is provided witha plurality of depending hamsters-5U, the upperends.

to tighten the connection between the sockets:

in a-manner previously-described. Thestuds 5'1 and balusters 5B are sodisposed as to substantially abut in end-to-end aligned relation whenthe lower ra-il- I3I is rotated so as'to dispose the studs 5ivertically. Such adjacent ends of the studs and hamsters are externallythreaded with like threads and are connected'together by sleeves I I 3corresponding tothe sleeves I-3"previous1y' described. That is to say,one of the free ends of eachpair of adjacent studs and balustersisprovided with a longerseriesof: threads than the other, whereby thesleeve may be retracted t'o lie with the sleeves II=8 secured in place,both the top rail H6 and the bottom rail I3l-' are secured againstrotation andaga-inst accidental displacement. If desired, thebottomraili3I may be provided with depending studs 52 of a length tojust clear the surface of the ground, but thesestuds may be omitted, ifdesired.

As previously mentioned, the Figure 7' form of the'invention maybemodified by'the substitution. of rails I31 and hooks 26" for thetop'rail I16 and couplings M. Also, instead. of balusters 553, picketsof similar structuremay be substituted to. include upper endsprojectin'gabovethe top rail. Likewise, ornamental upward projectionsmay be. addedto the tops of theposts I'll.

While I have shown and described what are now considered to be thepreferred embodiments of the inventiongit is tobe. understood that thesame is susceptible of other. forms. and expressions. Consequently, Ido. not limit. myself to the precise structuresshown. and describedhere.- inabove except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A guard railing, comprising, a pair of spaced.

II8- are provided with enlarged, un-

aligned cylindrical cross-pieces, saidzcros'sx-pieces including tree-sae ame :wi ness right hand screw-threads, a top rail of cylindrical configuration including free ends formed with ,external right handscrew-threadaa; pair of sleeves forconnecting said free ends: aid railto said freeends of said cross-pieces, each sleeye; being formed withinternal right-handyscrew-threads fora -major portion of the-"lengthadaptedEto threadedly engage said-threads 'of' said 'ra'il andcross-pieces, each sleeve being formed with an enlarged unthreadedcounterbore for the remainder of its length, a hook on each post indownwardly-spaced relation to said crosspieces, said hooks being opposedand horizontally aligned, an eye engageable with each hook, each eyeincluding a threaded free end, one of said last-named free ends beingformed with lefthand screw-threads, the other of said last-named freeends being formed with right-hand screwthreads, a bottom rail ofcylindrical configuration, and said bottom rail including free endsformed with screw-threads complementary to those of said eyes andthreadedly engageable therewith.

2. A guard railing, comprising a pair of spaced vertical posts oftubular configuration, said posts including upper ends formed withlongitudinallyaligned cylindrical cross-pieces, said cross-piecesincluding free ends formed with external righthand screw-threads, a toprail of cylindrical configuration including free ends formed withexternal right-hand screw-threads, a pair of sleeves for connecting saidfree ends of said rail to said free ends of said cross-pieces, eachsleeve being formed with internal right-hand screw-threads for a majorportion of the length adapted to threadedly engage said threads of saidrail and cross-pieces, each sleeve being formed with an enlargedunthreaded counterbore for the remainder of its length, a hook on eachpost in downwardly-spaced relation to said cross-pieces, said hooksbeing opposed and horizontally aligned, an eye engageable with eachhook, each eye including a threaded free end, one of said last-namedfree ends being formed with lefthand screw-threads, the other of saidlast-named free ends being formed with right-hand screwthreads, abottom'rail of cylindrical configuration, said bottom rail includingfree ends formed with screw-threads complementary to those of said eyesand threadedly engageable therewith, said bottom rail being formed withat least one radially-directed cylindrical stud, said stud including afree end formed with external righthand screw-threads, said top railbeing formed with at least one downwardly-directed cylindrical balusteradapted to be aligned with said stud, said baluster including a free endformed with external right-hand screw-threads, a sleeve for connectingsaid free ends of said stud and baluster together, said last-namedsleeve being formed with internal screw-threads for a major portion ofits length, such threads being complementary to said threads of saidbaluster and stud, and said last-named sleeve being formed with anenlarged unthreaded counterbore for the remainder of its length.

3. In a guard railing, the combination with a pair of spaced posts, topand bottom rails con necting said posts, and at least one of said railsbeing rotatable for connection with said posts, of a vertical balusterfixed to one rail, a vertical stud fixed t the other rail, said stud andbaluster being adaptedto be"-aligned' irr end-to-end relation; saidstudy and baluster each including a fre'endjo'rrrled withsimilarexternal screwy threads,-a sleeve for threadedly coupling said freeends" of said stu d'a'n d baluster together whereby to prevent rotationof said. rotatable rail'jsaid' sleeve being formed with internalscrewthreads for a major portionof its length, said threads; of saidsleeve being complementary to said threads of said stud and baluster,and said sleeve being formed with an enlarged unthread'ed' counterborefor the remainder of its length.

4: 'In'a guard railing, a pair of spaced posts, a top rail carried bysaid posts, a hook on each post in downwardly-spaced relation to saidtop rail, said hooks being opposed and horizontally aligned, an eyeengageable with each hook, each eye including a threaded free end, oneof said free ends being formed with left-hand screwthreads, the other ofsaid free ends being formed with right-hand screw-threads, a bottom railof cylindrical configuration, said bottom rail including free endsformed with screw-threads complementary to those of said eyes andthreadedly engageable therewith, said bottom rail being formed with atleast one radially-directed cylindrical stud, said stud including a freeend formed with external right-hand screw-threads, said top rail beingformed with at least one downwardly directed cylindrical balusteradapted to be aligned with said stud, said baluster including a free endformed with external right-hand screwthreads, a sleeve connecting saidfree ends of said stud and baluster together, said last-named sleevebeing formed with internal screw-threads for a major portion of itslength, such threads being complementary to said threads of saidbaluster and stud, and said last-named sleeve being formed with anenlarged unthreaded counterbore for the remainder of its length.

5. In a guard railing, a pair of spaced posts, a top rail carried bysaid posts, a hook on each post in downwardly-spaced relation to saidtop rail, said hooks being opposed and horizontally aligned, an eyeengageable with each hook, each eye including a threaded free end, oneof said last-named free ends being formed with lefthand screw-threads,the other of said lastnamed free ends being formed with right-handscrew-threads, a bottom rail of cylindrical configuration, and saidbottom rail including free ends formed with screw-threads complementaryto those of said eyes and threadedly engageable therewith.

6. In a guard railing, a pair of spaced posts, a top rail carried bysaid posts, a hook on each post in downwardly-spaced relation to saidtop rail, said hooks being opposed and horizontally aligned, an eyeengageable with each hook, each eye including a threaded free end, oneof said last-named free ends being formed with lefthand screw-threads,the other of said last-named free ends being formed with right-handscrew threads, a bottom rail of cylindrical configuration, said bottomrail including free ends formed with screw-threads complementary tothose of said eyes and threadedly engageable therewith, each hookincluding a pair of opposite side surfaces, each eye including spacedears formed with inner surfaces complementary to said side surfaces ofsaid hooks and slidably engageable therewith, said ears including freeends, and each eye including a cross-piece spanning said ears inwardlyof said free ends, and said crosspieces being engageable with saidhooks.

7';- In-ademountabl'e-barrier; a, pair ofspacedposts,==a railconnectingsaid posts, a hook on each post-said hooks being opposedand-horizontally alig-ned aneye engag-eable witheach hook, each eyeincluding a threaded f-reeend, one of said last-named free endsbeingformed with left- 5 hand -screw-threa:ds,:the other of said last-named free-ends being formed with right-hand screwthrea-dsg sa id railineluding cylindrical' free ends formedwith screw-threads complementaryto those of said eyes and threadedly engagear-ble therewith; 7 JOHN C.BALDWIN.

81 REFERENCES CITED The following references .are'of record ih-the file"of this patent:

' D"STATESPA'IW 7 Name I Date Clune et a1. July 28; 1896 Anderson h May29, 1900 McArthur July 18, 1922 Kahn May 31, 19132 Gascoigne et 21. Ma-y1'7, 1938 Rasso Sept. 4; 1945

